Dog shooting sparks call for bow and arrow ban

The RSPCA says there is a problem in Western Australia with people using arrows to harm animals.

Police and the RSPCA are investigating the shooting of a pet dog with a bow and arrow at a Kununurra property last week.

No charges have been laid but the offence carries a maximum penalty of up to five years in jail and a $50,000 fine.

RSPCA spokesman Tim Mayne says bows and arrows should be banned in WA.

"There is a problem with these sort of weapons, I mean we successfully saw crossbows banned, which the RSPCA applauded but that was some years ago," he said.

"But the RSPCA would like a clamp down on these sort of weapons, particularly in the hands of those that are prone to do such things."

The RSPCA says the Kununurra incident adds weight to calls for an inspector from the society to be based in the state's north.

Mr Mayne says the Kimberley needs its own RSPCA inspector.

"I think an incident like this does escalate the need for an inspector further north than Geraldton and the local community have expressed their need or their want for an RSPCA inspector, I think local authorities have their hands full," he said.